Expansions

Lambda Chi Alpha is committed to growing its brotherhood and enhancing the co-curricular environment through expansion. The expansion staff is constantly looking to introduce or re-introduce the fraternity to colleges and universities across North America.

Fall 2020

Click here to make a referral for the University of Minnesota Expansion.

Once an agreement is established with a college or university and Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters, a plan is put into place to formalize the colonization. Lambda Chi Alpha has a three-phase expansion timeline.

Expansion Preparation

Prior to Phase 1 the expansion staff is hard a work preparing for the upcoming colonization. The expansion team will perform a campus assessment, analyze prospective members, and research the success of other national/international organizations conducting similar efforts. Once these assessments are concluded, a full marketing plan is developed.

Alumni Development

Before on-site efforts begin the main focus will be on alumni development. This may include the recruitment of additional alumni to join the initially committed volunteers and supporters. One major component of a Lambda Chi Alpha expansion is the formation and implementation of an Alumni Advisory Board. Lambda Chi Alpha feels that the local alumni are an integral component for the General Fraternity when supporting a colony. This is why an in depth recruitment effort of alumni occurs and an extensive training process of an alumni advisory team (comprised of at least 12 alumni) is executed. We feel that the creation of an alumni advisory team is the most integral aspect of our colonies maintenance. They will see all day-to-day operations of the colony and will be the most useful resource for the colony and especially its officers.

College/University Support

Prior to the expansion, the professional staff depends a great deal on the support from university officials, specifically in the office working directly with fraternities and sororities. Previously mentioned, we depend a great deal on referrals, and these will begin with the resources made available through Greek professionals on campus. We also look to obtain the contact information for those unaffiliated male students on campus.

If possible, we would like mailing labels and/or e-mail addresses for all unaffiliated men so that we may send them information about the Fraternity. We would also like to send mail and e-mail to select alumni, staff, and student leaders to inform them of our colonization and to invite them to specific events. Additionally, we would need assistance in scheduling our events in the appropriate facilities. When dealing with upperclassmen as prospective members, we often ask for comments from the student life staff.

Additionally, we encourage assistance in fostering a relationship with the entire Greek community. We want to build a positive relationship with the IFC so they can possibly offer assistance to the expansion in the following ways:

Solidify the expansion date early to allow maximum preparation time.

Work with us to design an expansion that will be successful.

Provide us with multiple avenues for contacting prospective members (direct mail, advertisements, open house prior to the start of recruitment, e-mail addresses, etc.)

Assist us with housing for the expansion period and room reservations for events.

Provide positive word of mouth: a new fraternity means more opportunities for everyone, not more competition.

It is always our goal to work with the university IFC as much as possible. It is important for the new colony members to be integrated into the Greek system, and an active role and participation in IFC would help promote and foster the spirit of a Greek community. Staff members on site will meet with the IFC and will help integrate new colony members into their role on the IFC.

Student Interest

Potentially, professional staff could begin speaking with interested students three months prior to the colonization. Lambda Chi Alpha approaches expansion one of two ways. One approach is a “from scratch” effort. The other method of colonization is to absorb an interest group. This method is usually undertaken when an interest group contacts Lambda Chi Alpha and inquires about the possibility of affiliating with an international fraternity. Examples of interest groups include: local fraternities, men’s clubs, residence hall floors, or other organized men’s groups.

A member of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Professional Staff will meet with the interest group, explaining the benefits of affiliation with Lambda Chi Alpha, as well as the responsibilities of membership. If it is decided by both parties that the affiliation would be in their mutual interests, the affiliation is sanctioned and becomes official.

If an interest group is not available or uncultivated, conversations with students would then focus around preparation for a “from scratch” effort. Interested students would assist the professional staff with marketing and logistical efforts during the three months leading up to the on-site recruitment efforts.

You get to be an entrepreneur.

It takes personal courage to step out of the established and start something new; by joining a colony, you are doing just that! Founding fathers dare to do the hard work of establishing the foundation of a new fraternity. It is hard work and at times the colony may even struggle, but through hard work and commitment you have the opportunity to create a long-lasting legacy that sets the standards for what it means to be a member of Lambda Chi Alpha; thousands of men are going to be following your example.

You have committed to something that is bigger than yourself.

From the day, you sign your bid to the day you die, you will be representing Lambda Chi Alpha. You have committed yourself to an international organization and to living it’s values each day. Lambda Chi Alpha’s Seven Core Values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. In living these values and committing to this brotherhood you have an opportunity to contribute to the community, enhance your leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, and discover a brotherhood that has been changing lives for over 100 years.

You have joined a network of more than 280,000 men.

Joining Lambda Chi Alpha opens you to a vast network of alumni brothers who are leaders in their communities, professions, and on their campuses. This network presents you with mentors, colleagues, and friends. The men you meet on your Lambda Chi Alpha journey will be some of the best in your life.

core value:

SERVICE & STEWARDSHIP

Name:

Alpha-Omicron Zeta

LOCATION:

Bloomington, IN

INSTITUTION:

Indiana University

Recently, the Alpha-Omicron Zeta at Indiana University truly lived the value of Service & Stewardship. Instead of simply volunteering at a food bank, they wanted to see their impact come to fruition. So they found a family in need and changed their lives for the better. Watch the video above for a complete description of this self-less act.

Name:

Jorge Reyes Salinas

UNIVERSITY:

California State – Northridge

Name:

Barry Cappello

UNIVERSITY:

UCLA

core value:

DUTY

Name:

Jack Hesser

UNIVERSITY:

Middlebury, IN

MAJOR:

Microbiology, Botany

Jack Hesser is a senior microbiology and botany double major at Ball State University. In his four years at Ball State, Hesser has created the worlds first ever international research journal for undergraduate microbiology research, founded the first student-run national coalition of student governments, and has even published in fields such as anthropology and teaching. Currently he serves as the president of the student body as well as the Iota-Alpha chapter president.

core value:

LOYALTY

Name:

Jared Grier & Pi Zeta

LOCATION:

Worcester, MA

INSTITUTION:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

When one of their own suffered a debilitating accident, the brothers of Pi Zeta at Worcester Polytechnic stepped up to lend exactly the kind of support that our brotherhood is built for.

core value:

HONOR

Name:

Juan Velasquez

UNIVERSITY:

Embry-Riddle, Prescott

MAJOR:

Aeronautical Science

Juan Velasquez is a junior aeronautical science major at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott where he is also training to be a pilot. As a first generation American and college student, Juan serves the Embry-Riddle Prescott colony as standards chairman. He also holds the position of secretary for the Board of Campus Activities, as well as the Alpa Ace Club. After graduation Juan hopes to one day fly for Delta Airlines as a commercial pilot. Juan is just one of dozens of undergraduate young men who are receiving scholarship assistance from the educational foundation so they can have a Lambda Chi Alpha experience. Thanks to our generous donors, the educational foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships annually to our undergraduate brothers.

Matt's Story - University of Wisconsin, La Crosse

I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because…

“I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because of the legacy, the message, and the opportunities. Not often can you find spiritual enlightenment, displays of charity, career building, and a lifetime of TRUE brotherhood all in one package. Having also been a lifelong supporter of the United States Military, learning about the connection to the U.S. Army with our core values was also an intriguing factor to joining Lambda Chi. Lambda Chi Alpha has the potential to be a top tier fraternity here at UW-La Crosse, and I felt that it was my duty to ensure that this dream becomes a reality.”

Since I have joined Lambda Chi Alpha…

“I have discovered new truths about myself, my brothers, my student peers, and the world around me. Lambda Chi Alpha has opened up a new perspective to me, one that I would not have achieved without going Greek. I have gained compassion, empathy, sense of self, and many other virtues that have allowed me to become the best man I can be. I have also discovered the immense complexity and difficulty that comes with a colonizing a new Zeta, but have learned much more than I have lost and would always choose to do it all over again. My connection to the University and my ability to contribute in all aspects of my life has increased exponentially, and it’s all thanks to Lambda Chi.”

Lambda Chi Alpha has given me…

“A greater sense of what It means to be an ideal friend, brother, student and man in society. I have learned many new leadership skills, such as organization, taking the initiative, and critical thinking, and have also been offered various opportunities to use these new skills, in and outside of Greek life. Hard work of both the mental and physical realms now holds more intrinsic value than ever before, as courageously expressed in my favorite open motto “Χαλεπὰ τὰ καλά, Naught without Labor”. Although pure greatness may and will never be fully achieved, Lambda Chi Alpha has set me on that epic path to shoot for success.”

What I have enjoyed most about Lambda Chi Alpha is…

“The local and world wide sense of true brotherhood. Learning about our vast and complex history has helped me to connect with brothers from decades, states and even countries vastly far away and different from my own, and yet, I know that we hold the same values and knowledge that all other brothers have held. Whether your journey began in the past, exists in the present, or is being awaited in the future, the bond that begins from the first moment you sign up will remain with you for the rest of your life. It’s a truly humbling feeling that I do not know what I would do without. Im Thankful to Lambda Chi Alpha for its many other benefits as well, and only hope that I can someday come close to repaying the favor.”

Abe's Story - University of North Texas

Why did you join?

“I joined Lambda Chi Alpha initially not only because of the friends I had that were already joining, but because the organization feels different from the typical fraternity. Lambda Chi gave the feel of still focusing on its core values while also offering the opportunity for social growth. So far, Lambda Chi has given me the opportunity to become close with great people I may never have met and begin networking in a way that allows me to both further my own career goals, as well as help benefit others in providing mentor-ship and the opportunity to mentor.”

Armando's Story - University of Tampa

I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because…

“I wanted to be a leader and have an opportunity to make a difference in my community with a group of people who felt the same.”

Since I have joined Lambda Chi Alpha…

“I have grown tremendously as a student, brother, and member of society. As a brother of Lambda Chi, I see the world differently because when you guide yourself by our seven core values and the lesson of our ritual, forgiveness isn’t an option, anger isn’t a choice, understanding is essential and overall, your life becomes better.”

Lambda Chi Alpha has given me…

“A home away from home. A network. A family.”

What I have enjoyed most about Lambda Chi Alpha is…

“I think what I have enjoyed most about Lambda Chi Alpha is General Assembly (GA). GA gave me the opportunity to meet so many brother, so many people who want to change the world through Lambda Chi – just like I do – and that is something special. I’ve never been in a situation where so many likeminded people came together to brainstorm progressing ourselves, our Zetas, and the world. It was amazing to see such unity in so much diversity.”

Calvin's Story - West Virginia University

I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because…

“Initially when I decided to go to college I went to a smaller, in state school that I found out was not where I wanted to spend my college years so after my first semester of freshman year I transferred to WVU. During that first semester, I got an email blast about an opportunity to be part of founding a new fraternity on campus. I had always liked the idea of a fraternity, but knew I wasn’t the type for any of the ones on the hill and I had always wanted to start something on my own and help it grow. After we got the email blast my brother and I had a meeting with Christopher Pockette. We were blown away and signed our bid a couple weeks later.”

Since I have joined Lambda Chi Alpha…

“It has been over a year since I accepted my bid and have been part of Lambda Chi Alpha, but it feels like I have been part of something my whole life. Lambda Chi Alpha has surrounded me with a group of men that are similar to me, who are well balanced and committed to helping themselves be the best they can be and to bring up people around them by example and with support. They believe in academics, philanthropy, service, socialresponsibility, and family and incorporating them all together so none is left out! Being around a group of guys has opened doors for me at West Virginia University that I didn’t even know where possible. The valuable friendships, campus relations and alumni connections as well as the responsibilities and opportunities are limitless. College would not be the same without Lambda Chi Alpha and I would not be who I am today without it.”

Lambda Chi Alpha has given me…

“Lambda Chi Alpha has allowed me to come out of my shell and push my abilities every day. Serving as President these past two terms has transitioned me from a qualified, but shy teenager, to a man with no holding back. I believe in bringing people together and always trying your best. One day, I want to open my own company and I know through my experiences in leadership as President of this newly re-charted chapter that I will be ready for anything that comes my way. I am forever grateful for not being complacent daring to open doors that have allowed me to find my home not only at West Virginia University, but within Lambda Chi Alpha.”

What I have enjoyed most about Lambda Chi Alpha is…

“Being part of founding a colony that chartered in one year’s time while I was High Alpha, has taught me many valuable skills I would enjoy sharing with others. Navigating the processes and overcoming unique and typical challenges, offers a valuable perspective for me. My experiences are fresh and allow me to have many items for consideration – questions, concerns, suggestions – all towards positive improvements, clarifications or reaffirmations for success. I am passionate about making every Lambda Chi Alpha chapter or colony and member their best in any way that I can.”